Fragrance material

ABSTRACT

Non-aqueous based fragrance compositions containing a siloxane material are disclosed. The fragrance compositions are suitable for many applications including cosmetics, laundry care and personal care items. The fragrance compositions can also be used in air fresheners, particularly those air fresheners that contain heating elements.

STATUS OF RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional of U.S. Ser. No. 10/201,673, filed onJul. 22, 2002, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,861,031 which is acontinuation-in-part of U.S. Ser. No. 10/117,479 filed on Apr. 5, 2002,now U.S. Pat. No. 6,808,684 the contents hereby incorperated byreference as if set forth in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This application is directed to fragrance materials containingsilicones, particularly fragrance materials containing siloxanes in anon-aqueous based fragrance system.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Most fragrance chemicals are hydrophobic materials indicating that theyare more soluble in non-aqueous based systems than aqueous systems. Forthis reason, fragrance compositions are commonly provided in ahydrocarbon base. These hydrocarbon bases comprise materials includingalcohols, such as ethanol, and other materials, such as dipropyleneglycol and diethyl phthlatae and isopropyl myristate. Higher boilingsolvents can also be used in systems depending on the application andare commonly provided in a non-aqueous based systems. Higher temperatureapplications include plug-in air fresheners where the electric powersource can be used to power a heating element to deliver the fragrancechemicals and a higher boiling fragrance solvents. In these situationshigher boiling point carriers such as dipropylene glycol ethers areoften used as the fragrance chemical solvents.

Alternatively, an aqueous based system may be employed to deliverfragrance materials. One advantage of an aqueous based fragrance systemis the reduced flash point of the fragrance system. In order to make thefragrance chemicals miscible and deliverable in the aqueous system,surfactant and other chemicals are used. For example, U.S. Pat. No.6,238,646, the contents hereby incorporated by reference, discloses theuse of a polymeric emulsion with a dispersed oil phase for thedeliverance of atomized oil, such as a fragrance oil, insecticidal oilor medicinal oil. The patent states that the dispersed oil has thebenefits of not needing to be shaken before use, is not flammable anddoes not deposit fragrance on surfaces.

The deposition of fragrance on surfaces is a problem with many fragrancesystems. Controlling the rate of fragrance usage, the particle size ofthe fragrance as well as insuring that the fragrance remains in theatmosphere is critical. In particular for air fresheners, it is criticalthat the fragrance not deposit on surfaces such as tables and othersurfaces leaving unsightly appearance or damage surfaces.

Despite the teachings, there is an ongoing need for new fragrancecompositions that deliver the desired fragrance in a safe manner thatdoes not deposit fragrance on surfaces after use.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a non-aqueous based fragrancesystem containing a siloxane oil for the delivery of fragrancechemicals. The fragrance chemical system is particularly well suited forthe delivery of fragrance chemicals for air fresheners.

More specifically the present invention is directed to a liquid,non-aqueous based fragrance containing a siloxane oil at a level of fromabout 12 to about 40, preferably from about 20 to about 30 weightpercent of the fragrance composition. Preferably the siloxane oil has avapor pressure of from about 0.8 to about 1.2 mm Hg (millimeters ofmercury).

Another embodiment of the present invention, a fragrance composition isprovided comprising:

from about 9 to about 33 weight percent of the fragrance composition hasa vapor pressure of greater than about 0.3;

from about 11 to about 32 weight percent of the fragrance compositionhas a vapor pressure of from about 0.1 to about 0.3;

from about 14 to about 36 weight percent of the fragrance compositionhas a vapor pressure of from about 0.03 to about 0.1;

less than about 11 weight percent, preferably from 0.001 to about 10weight percent of the fragrance composition has a vapor pressure of fromabout 0.01 to about 0.03; and

less than about 10 weight percent, preferably from about 0.001 to about9 weight percent of the fragrance composition has a vapor pressure ofless than about 0.01; and

a siloxane oil from about 14 to about 40 weight percent of thefragrance.

In a more preferred embodiment of the invention, a fragrance compositionis provided comprising:

from about 20 to about 30 weight percent of the fragrance compositionhas a vapor pressure of greater than 0.3;

from about 15 to about 25 weight percent of the fragrance compositionhas a vapor pressure of from about 0.1 to about 0.3;

from about 15 to about 25 weight percent of the fragrance compositionhas a vapor pressure of from 0.03 to about 0.1;

from about 3 to about 9 weight percent of the fragrance composition hasa vapor pressure of from 0.01 to about 0.03; and

less than about 10 weight percent, preferably from about 0.001 to about9 weight percent of the fragrance composition has a vapor pressure ofless than about 0.01; and

a siloxane oil from about 20 to about 30 weight percent of thefragrance.

In a highly preferred embodiment of the invention, a fragrancecomposition is provided comprising:

from about 23 to about 28 weight percent of the fragrance compositionhas a vapor pressure of greater than about 0.3;

from about 15 to about 20 weight percent of the fragrance compositionhas a vapor pressure of from about 0.1 to about 0.3;

from about 15 to about 20 weight percent of the fragrance compositionhas a vapor pressure of from about 0.03 to about 0.1;

from about 4 to about 6 weight percent of the fragrance composition hasa vapor pressure of from about 0.01 to about 0.03; and

less than about 5 weight percent, preferably from about 0.001 to about 4weight percent of the fragrance composition has a vapor pressure of lessthan 0.01; and

a siloxane oil from about 23 to about 28 weight percent of thefragrance.

The present invention is also directed to a method and apparatus fordelivering fragrance from an air freshener, the air freshener preferablycontaining a heating element, a more preferably the heating element is apiezo electric device.

The above embodiments and other embodiments of the present inventionwill become apparent from a reading of the following specification andexamples.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a cross sectional view showing the relationship of thecontainer, the feed means, and the piezoelectric element.

FIG. 2 is a magnified detail of the area of FIG. 3 enclosed within thecircle shown in FIG. 3.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 illustrates, in cross sectional view, the relationship betweenthe container 5, the wick 7, the piezoelectric element 2, and theorifice plate 3 of a specific preferred embodiment of the invention. Thepiezoelectric element 2 is positioned, for example, in printed circuitboard 1, by grommets 4, or by any suitable means which do not restrictvibration of the piezoelectric element. In a preferred embodiment, theannular piezoelectric element surrounds the orifice plate 3, inmechanical connection therewith. The orifice plate is, in turn, injuxtapostion with the wick 7, permitting flow of the liquid to bedispensed from the container 5 to the orifice plate, where transferoccurs through surface tension contact. Not shown is the chassis board11 of the dispenser, which holds the circuit board 1 and the liquidcontainer in the appropriate position to bring wick 7 into juxtapositionwith the orifice plate 3. Wick 7 is held in the opening of closure 8 bythe wick holder 10, which permits a degree of freedom to the flexibleand highly compliant wick 7, so as to allow a range of adjustmentthereof, while wick tail 15 assures complete utilization of all theliquid in the container 5. This degree of freedom permitsself-adjustment of the wick relative to the surface of the orificeplate, to compensate for variations in position resulting from thevagaries of manufacture and shipment, and provides for a compliant feedmeans for transfer of the liquid from the container to the face of theorifice plate. As will be apparent to one skilled in the art, the heightof the wick, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, may be adjusted to vary theliquid gap 14, as shown in FIG. 2, and to assure an appropriate degreeof contact between the wick and the plate. For a more detailed view ofthe relationship between the wick and the orifice plate, attention isdirected to FIG. 2, a magnified detail of the circled section of FIG. 1,wherein is shown the looped wick 7, in juxtapostion with domed orificeplate 3, in which the liquid to be transferred is in surface tensioncontact with the orifice plate. While FIG. 2 shows the wick and theplate as in substantial contact throughout the full arc of the dome ofthe orifice plate, it is to be understood that this is for illustrationonly, and that plate 3 may in fact contact wick 7 for only a limited arcto achieve transfer of the liquid, dependent upon viscosity, surfacetension, and temperature of the liquid, as well as the specific porosityand flexibility of the wick, and the extent of liquid gap 14. As shown,the passage of the wick 7 through the opening 9 in the closure element 8is controlled by the wick holder/positioner 10. FIG. 2 also shows themounting grommet 4 for the ceramic piezoelectric element 2, orificeplate 3, and the orifice plate flange 12, as well as the clips 6 whichhold the removable cap (not shown) to the bottle closure 8.

The selection of the appropriate fragrance materials and non-aqueouscarrier of the present invention is critical. The fragrance materialsand carriers must have the vapor pressure distribution in order to beeffective in the present invention. Failure to provide the appropriatevapor pressure characteristics can lead to the same problems discussedherein above.

The appropriate carrier materials include but are not limited toalcohols such as ethanol, methanol, and the like; dipropylene glycol,dipropylene glycol ethers, diethyl phthalate and isopropyl myristate.The level of water in these systems is intentionally kept to a minimum,preferably below 5 weight percent of the fragrance composition, morepreferably below 1 weight percent and most preferably less than 0.1weight percent. Persons with skill in the art will be able to formulatefragrance compositions within the scope of the present invention thatcontain no intentionally added water.

The level of non-aqueous base in the fragrance can vary widely from aslittle as 0.01 to about 50 weight percent of the total fragrancecomposition. More commonly, the level of the fragrance base is fromabout 5 to about 30 weight percent, more preferably from about 10 toabout 25 and in a highly preferred level from about 15 to about 25weight percent of the fragrance composition.

The siloxane materials of the present invention are provided at a levelof from about 14 to about 40, typically from about 20 to about 30;preferably from about 23 to about 28 and most preferably from about 24to about 26 weight percent of the fragrance composition.

The siloxane materials suitable for use in this invention is anorgano-silicon polymer with a silicon-oxygen framework with a simplestfundamental unit of (R₂ SiO)n. As used in this application, siloxanematerials include both siloxane and silicone materials. The siloxanematerials can be straight chains or branched, with multiple branchingpossible both in the polymer chain as well as in the end groups.

The siloxane materials that are incorporated in the present inventionare typically characterized by their molecular weight. Suitablematerials have molecular weights ranging from about 150 to about 400;preferably from about 290 to about 390; and most preferably from about295 to about 320.

Siloxane materials that have been found to be suitable in the presentinvention, include but are not limited to decamethyltetrasiloxane,octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane, hexamethyltetrasiloxane,polydimethylsiloxane, and the like. The most preferred materials for usein this invention are decamethyltetrasiloxane andoctamethylcyclotetrasiloxane.

The vapor pressure of the siloxane-containing fragrance materials of thepresent invention varies from about 0.5 to about 2, preferably fromabout 0.8 to about 1.2 and most preferably 1.0. As used in thisspecification, the vapor pressure of the materials is measured at 25° C.and at 760 millimeters of mercury. Vapor pressure of the materials ismeasured by ASTM D5191, ASTM D323, ASTM D4953. As used throughout thespecification, ASTM is understood to be the test methods promulgated byAmerican Society for Testing Materials, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO BoxC700, West Conshocken, Pa. 19428. The number following the ASTM namedesignates the test method for determining the physical parameter. Inaddition to determining vapor pressures, vapor pressures can be found invarious reference books, such as, CRC Handbook of Chemicals and Physics,various editions; and Chemical Properties Handbook, Yaw, Carl L.,editor; McGraw-Hill Publishing Company, 1999.

The viscosity of the fragrance composition, including the non-aqueousbase, the fragrance chemicals and the silicon or siloxane materialsshould be less than about 4 centipoise, typically less than about 2.5centipoise, preferably from about 0.25 to about 1.5 centipoise, mostpreferably from about 0.5 to about 1.25 centipoise. Highly preferredfragrance materials have a viscosity of about 1 centipoise as measuredat 25° C. and at 25 revolutions per minute using a number 2 spindle.

The fragrance composition should have a flash point of less than 200°F., preferably from about 140 to about 180 and most preferably fromabout 140 to about 160° F. Flash point is measured by ASTM D 6450.

The fragrance chemicals used in the practice of the present inventionare not critical as long as the resulting fragrance composition has thevapor pressure distribution recited herein. Of course, the aestheticconsideration of any fragrance composition is critical to the commercialsuccess of the fragrance.

For example, fragrance chemicals having a vapor pressure of greater than0.3 mm Hg include but are not limited to: allyl acetone, ethyl amylketone, furfural, iso amyl acetate, iso butyl butyrate, methyl furoate,methyl disulfide, propanal, proponol, propyl acetate, hexyl acetate,ethyl acetoacetate, citrus oil distillate, tetrahydrolinalool, and thelike.

Similarly, fragrance chemicals having a vapor pressure of form about 0.1to about 0.3 include, but are not limited to: allyl caproate, dimethyloctanol, isoamyl crotonate, rose oxide, methyl benzoxalate, methylheptyl ketone, nonyl aldehyde, benzyl acetate and Vanoris® (IFF) and thelike.

Fragrance chemicals having a vapor pressure of from about 0.03 to about0.1 mm Hg include, but are not limited to: benzoic acid, cyclohexylpropanol, diethyl succinate, dimethyl octanol, isobutyl caproate, methylchavicol, oxane, Verdox® (IFF), Vertenex HC® (IFF), phenyl acetaldehydedimethylacetal, citronellyl acetate and dihydrocarvone and the like.

Fragrance chemicals having a vapor pressure of from about 0.01 to about0.03 mm Hg include, but are not limited to: allyl amyl glycolate, anisicalcohol, benzyl isobutyrate, hexenyl isobutyrate, hexyl crotonate,phenoxy ethanol, nonyl alcohol, and the like.

Fragrance chemicals having a vapor pressure of less than 0.01 mm Hginclude, but are not limited to: allyl caproate, anisyl acetate, ethylanisole, hexyl caproate, Iso E Super® (IFF), methyl iritone, phenoxyethyl iso butyrate, yara yara, citronellyl acetate, and Vertenex® (IFF)and the like.

The vapor pressure of fragrance chemicals is available from referencematerials such as the CRC Handbook of Chemistry and Physics, variouseditions; or can be determined by ASTM D5191, ASTM D323, and ASTM D4953.

Fragrance chemicals are well known in the art. A list of suitablefragrances is provided in U.S. Pat. No. 4,534,891, the contents of whichare incorporated by reference as if set forth in their entirety. Anothersource of suitable fragrances is found in Perfumes Cosmetics and Soaps,Second Edition, edited by W. A. Poucher, 1959. Among the fragrancesprovided in this treatise are acacia, cassie, chypre, cylamen, fern,gardenia, hawthorn, heliotrope, honeysuckle, hyacinth, jasmine, lilac,lily, magnolia, mimosa, narcissus, freshly-cut hay, orange blossom,orchids, reseda, sweet pea, trefle, tuberose, vanilla, violet,wallflower, and the like.

As used in this specification olfactory effective amount is understoodto mean the amount of fragrance materials in perfume composition thathas an effect on the overall fragrance. As is well appreciated in theart, the individual component will contribute its particular olfactorycharacteristics, but the olfactory effect of the fragrance will be thesum of the effects of each of the perfume or fragrance ingredients. Thusthe fragrance materials can be used to alter the aroma characteristicsof the fragrance, or by modifying the olfactory reaction contributed byanother ingredient in the composition. The amount will vary depending onmany factors including other ingredients, their relative amounts and theeffect that is desired.

The level of siloxane containing fragrance used to scent an articletypically varies from about 0.005 to about 20 weight percent, preferablyfrom about 0.5 to about 15 and most preferably from about 1 to about 10weight percent. Those with skill in the art will be able to employ thedesired level of the fragrance compositions of the invention to providethe desired fragrance and intensity to a wide variety of products.

The use of these compounds is widely applicable in current perfumeryproducts, including the preparation of perfumes and colognes, theperfuming of personal care products such as soaps, shower gels, and haircare products as well as cosmetic preparations. The present inventioncan also be used to perfume cleaning agents, such as, but not limited todetergents, dishwashing materials, scrubbing compositions, windowcleaners and the like.

The siloxane-containing fragrance materials of the present invention areparticularly well suited for use in air fresheners, which are known inthe art, see for example U.S. Pat. Nos. 1,994,932; 2,597,195; 2,802,695;2,804,291; 3,550,853; 4,286,754; 4,413,779; 4,454,987; 4,913,350; and5,000,383 hereby incorporated by reference.

The fragrance materials of the present invention are well suited for usein air fresheners. As it is well appreciated in the art, air freshenerscome in a variety of forms well known such as, liquids, gels, waxes,sachets and the like. The present invention is particularly well-suitedfor air fresheners that are powered by an electrical source. Theelectrical source is typically used to power a heating element thatpromotes the evaporation of the fragrance materials. These devices arealso well known in the art, see for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,288,556;3,431,393; 3,482,929; 3,633,881; 4,020,321; 4,968,487; 5,038,394;5,290,546 and 5,364,027, 6,293,474, 6,296,196, 6,378,780, 6,382,522,6,386,462, all hereby incorporated by reference. In a preferredembodiment, the air freshener contains a piezo electric element.

Well known materials such as surfactants, emulsifiers, extenders canalso be employed without departing from the scope of the presentinvention. The present invention is provided in a liquid form, thefragrance is not encapsulated by a polymer, gelatin or other materialthat would inhibit the effects the vapor pressure distribution of thefragrance chemicals has on the overall fragrance composition.

The present invention possesses a number of advantages over previousfragrance compositions. The fragrance materials possess improvedevaporative properties, meaning that better droplet formation iscreated. In addition, the fragrance does not redeposit on surfaces afterbeing released into the atmosphere and the fragrance materials have aflash point that is safe for the materials to be used with devices thatcontain a heating element.

In view of the above description and the following example, a personwith ordinary skill in the art will understand that other modificationsand embodiments may be derived without departing from the spirit andscope of this invention. Unless noted to the contrary, all units setforth below are weight percent.

EXAMPLE 1

The following fragrance formulation was prepared to demonstrate thedistribution of vapor pressure of individual ingredients and relativeweight percent suitable for use in the present invention. The fragrancewas reported to have a citrus aroma.

VAPOR PRESSURE CHEMICAL (mm Hg) WEIGHT % Decamethyltetramethylsiloxane 126.49 (Aldrich Chemical) Hexylacetate 1 2.92 Citrus Oil Dist 0.9 9.79Ethyl Acetoacetate 0.5 6.16 Tetrahydrolinalool 0.4 5.44 Benzyl Acetate0.1 14.55 Vanoris ® (IFF) 0.053 3.62 Dihydromyrencol 0.09 5.44 IsobornylAcetate 0.09 3.62 Linalool 0.05 4.28 Verdox ® (IFF) 0.05 2.46 VertenexHC ® (IFF) 0.04 3.12 Cyclacet ® (IFF) 0.02 1.08 Phenylacetaldehyde 0.021.81 dimethylacetal Citronellyl Acetate 0.01 1.45 Dihydrocyclacet ®(IFF) 0.008 1.08

All of the above fragrance chemicals are available from InternationalFlavors & Fragrances Inc. (IFF), Hazlet, N.J.

EXAMPLE 2

Several fragrance compositions were prepared having the viscosity andflash point set forth below. All vapor pressure values are mm Hg.

Emerald Wild- Citus Green flower Apple Ivory Floral Desire Viscosity1.64 1.97 1.87 1.71 1.63 1.80 1.65 (Centipoise) Flash Point 148 150 152147 145 148 148 (° F.) Weight 26.77 26.44 24.43 27.06 27.4 24.77 27.05percent of fragrance chemicals with vapor pressure greater than 0.3Weight 18.70 18.15 14.66 18.82 19.75 17.93 19.35 percent of fragrancechemicals with vapor pressure between 0.3 and 0.1 Weight 19.97 22.0326.67 22.34 18.10 19.62 20.02 percent of fragrance chemicals with vaporpressure between 0.1 and 0.03 Weight 6.10 6.57 8.30 5.85 2.25 11.68 5.58percent of fragrance chemicals with vapor pressure between 0.03 and 0.01Weight 1.10 0.57 0.02 0.50 2.30 0.80 0.80 percent of fragrance chemicalswith vapor pressure less than 0.01 Siloxane oil 26.49 25.00 25.00 25.0030.00 25.00 27.00 level

Due to rounding the numbers do not total to 100.

The fragrance compositions were placed in an electrically powered airfreshener device. The air freshener device was turned on and thefragrance compositions were provided into the atmosphere. The deviceswere periodically evaluated for the delivery of fragrance and othercriteria.

It was noted that the floral fragrance had an unacceptably large amountof fragrance that had deposited onto the table surface. It is believedthat the level of fragrance materials having a vapor pressure of from0.01 to 0.03 being 11.68 weight percent was the cause. This fragrancecomposition does not have the vapor pressure distribution recited in theclaims. The other fragrance compositions delivered the fragrances to theatmosphere in a satisfactory manner without the problem of the fragrancechemicals redepositing on the tabletop. The other fragrances had thevapor pressure distribution and siloxane oil levels recited in theclaims.

1. An air freshener apparatus comprising a container which contains: 1.a heating element and
 2. a fragrance composition comprising a fragrancematerial and a siloxane oil, said siloxane oil selected from the groupconsisting of decamethyltetrasiloxane, octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane,hexamethyltetrasiloxane, and polydimethylsiloxane, wherein the siloxaneoil is present at a level of from about 14 to about 40 weight percent ofthe fragrance composition.
 2. The air freshener apparatus of claim 1further comprising a piezo electric element contained within thecontainer.
 3. The apparatus as in claim 1, wherein the siloxane oillevel is from about 20 to about 30 weight percent.
 4. The apparatus asin claim 1, wherein the siloxane oil is decamethyltetramethylsiloxafle.